Teviot Row House is reopening its doors in early March after two and a half years of refurbishments.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) announced the news on 29 January in a newsletter to students.
The refurbishments centred on preserving the historic charm of the world’s oldest purpose-built student union building, while improving its accessibility and sustainability.
Works include the addition of an entrance ramp at the main doors, automatic doors, and a new lift installation, while insulation, glazing, and LED light fittings were added to improve sustainability.
Adding to these updates, the Debating Hall and Library Bar are reopening, with direct access to the Loft Bar from the Debating Hall.
A new social space, the Urban Social, will be opening at the rear of the building.
Teviot was originally planned to reopen early 2025 but ‘extensive rewiring works’ on the 137-year-old grade-B-listed building significantly delayed the project.
Its closure from September 2023 resulted in many of the undergraduate student population having never experienced it as a student union.
One second-year student commented that she “don’t feel like they have missed out on much,” while another told The Student that he “didn’t know about’ the reopening.”
During the closure, the Potterrow Dome and 40 George Square have acted as substitutes.
However, one student described them as “inadequate” due to their smaller size and inability to attract large portions of the student population.
Despite this, other students said they are “looking forward” to the reopening.
One student highlighted that fourth-year students in particular feel they have “missed out” on having a “proper student union and place to gather that isn’t explicitly study focused.”
One fourth-year student said that “it will prove a much nicer reception than Potterrow” ahead of graduation events, adding that visible refurbishments from the outside look “cool” and that Teviot has “had a glow-up.”
Further updates are available on the dedicated Instagram page @teviotedinburgh.
Image by Mark Chan for The Student.